Tag: dandeli

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Adventure Corporate Outings Rejuvenate

Cool Indian River Rafting spots

India, other than being one of the few places in the world that give a strong glimpse into the history, is also known for having some great water sports. River rafting is one of the most popular activities that the tourists absolutely like to do. There are many spots all across the country that offers some of the safest and the most enjoyable river rafting opportunities. Safety is paramount, so research well before you move on to raft about what places are the safest and with lesser number of incidents.

Here are our picks out of the countless number of places from the country.

Rishikesh– If one mentions river rafting in the northern part of the country, there always is the first mention of the city called Rishikesh, located in the Uttarakhand state. Whenever somebody says River Rafting, Rishikesh pops up in the mind. And that is there for some reason. Rafting in the holy water of the river Ganges while surrounded by all natural beauty is one of the things one shall experience at least once in their lifetimes. Other sports such as trekking and hill jumping are also quite popular here. The grade 2 rapid of the river makes the rafting last for about 2 hours.

 Ladakh– Oh yes, you remember that road trip from Delhi to Ladakh on your bullets. But you have barely heard the mentions of it as one of the prime locations for the river rafting fanatics in the country. Well, you aren’t alone. The rafting experience in the Zanskar River is something worth having. Because the place is located at a high elevation spot and there is some next level fun while witnessing the river merging with the Indus River at the end of the raft. The rapids here are known to cross the grade 4 and 5 at some spots. The average time frame is 2 hours with the longest rafting route being 3 hours long.

Dandeli- The Western Ghats are among the craziest places in all over the country to do some intense high-level rafting. The Kali River flows at full force and the rafting route over here in Dandeli river rafting, the trail is about 12 kilometers long. This happens to be one of the most exciting rivers rafting experience one can have. All the testosterone heating up your body while the beautiful sceneries calming your nerves down, it doesn’t get any better than that. The class 3 rapids are most common in the river here.

Darjeeling- Teesta and Rangeet rivers flows down the Darjeeling hills providing the rafters the great view throughout the trail. The foaming white water is formed as the river falls down from the hills. The amazing view of some dense forests is all the addition that you will need in order to make the rafting experience all it’s worth. The rafting here is incredibly long for about 2 hours at the minimum and other options are also there to make it last for 3 hours or more. The rapids vary from class 2 to class 4 at different spots.

There are many other places across the country such as Sikkim, Orchha, and Garhwal where rafters can enjoy a few exciting minutes in the rivers. Almost all the places having services for the rafting are located in between the beautiful scenery which just a pleasant add-on and provides the rafters some added fun.

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Culture Rejoice South India

Tyrst with Lambani’s tribe in Dandeli

Lambani’s are the nomadic gypsies from Rajasthan, but eventually I met them in Dandeli village in Karnataka during my quest to meet these tribals. These folks have distributed themselves across India in their search of better livelihood. Though with different government policies, many of them have found o good jobs, but still a part of them still follows the old tradition where-in males are involved in agriculture while females are into wood collection and managing household.

During my brief interaction with these folks, the most striking feature I liked was their ethnic unique dress. This red heavily dress with all over work with metal along with accessories look fabulous. Be it anklets, jewelries, necklaces, all of them cost little high and this is this is why, one might not find many women in the traditional dresses. One more thing, that would strike you is the tattoos on both men and women arms and ankles. These tattoos have special significance attached and hold meanings. Women here are amazing cook and their signature drink is Arak. These Araks are popular especially during festivals. Old females miss the old culture and don’t like the way their community members are adopting western culture and city life. They still would want their community members to preserve their traditions, and this is why they recommend marriages within the community itself. It is a colorful affair with loads of dance, food and fun. Traditional songs for the well being of couple are being sung by old ladies of the tribe.

My special thanks to the organizers, so that I could spend some time with them and experience other side of these tribals. Dandeli is a great place to interact with tribals like Lambanis,Gowlis,or Medars. Do not miss the opportunity, during your next visit to the place.

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Relax

Medar Tribe- Bamboo Artisans from Dandeli

In the north west of Karnataka, during my quest to explore the unexplored, I happen to meet Medar Tribals in Dandeli. These tribals are craftsmen who earn their living by selling items made up of bamboo. These includes beautiful jewelry pieces to diyas to baskets which can be used for multiple things.

 

Families are very good hosts and religious. The folks were way too hospitable.  Most of them have dedicated puja rooms and they worship god for the community well-being. Community always remain united and usually travels in groups.

As more and more trees are being cut down, community is finding it difficult to sustain their mode of living. Though government has taken initial steps to settle them down and providing them suitable jobs, but it seems community members are not very happy as they still want to continue with the traditions.

Am glad to experience rich traditions of India on my exploration.

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Central India Festival Rejuvenate Travel Trends Tribal Western Ghats

Gowli Tribe: Herders of Dandeli

The place is primarily known for water sports especially river rafting in river Kali. It is a paradise for birdwatchers that keep themselves in thick deciduous forests. However, very few people are aware that these forests are inhabited by the tribes, who have a little world of their own in these jungles. During one of my trips to Dandeli, I got the chance to spend time with these folks and learn about their cultures. This post is about my experience with Gowli Tribe, as they celebrate Vijayadashami, one of the famous festivals in India marking the triumph of good over evil.
Apparently, Gowlis is a pastoral community found in the states of Goa & Maharastra. Gowlis of Dandeli has their strong roots from lord Krishna community of Yadavas, whose major occupation is animal herding and selling milk in the surrounding areas. They are Hindus by religion and make sure, their religious ceremonies, traditions remain undiluted.

They celebrate Vijayadashami 2 days later the usual dates. Preparations start a week before and festivity takes place at the “Mukhiya’s” house, which also performs the festivity on the D-day and guides the people of tribes.  Cow Urine is considered to be sacred and all the goddesses etc are washed with the same. House is decorated with the paper cuttings created by the females and kids around.

Even though the Government is making an attempt to bring them out of the jungles and providing them basic education, so that they can be part of the crowd, but it seems they are happy being the Gowlis and have no regrets in life. They live each moment with passion and are absolutely non-complaining. These folks  are extremely nice  and hospitable to the guests

 

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Adventure Relax Travel Trends Tribal wildlife

6 To-Do’s at Dandeli

Dandeli, is a small river side town in North West Karnataka is very popular with tourists from Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. The modern town on the river is surrounded by deciduous forests and a renowned wildlife habitat where one can spot rare animals and birds, roam in deep valleys and hilly terrain. It is around 4 Hr. drive from Goa Dabolim airport and the road trip from Goa to Dandeli is very scenic. Though place is famous for white water rafting and tree-houses, but apart from the same, there are few must to do’s at the place.
Kayaking on the Kali River
If you are white water lover and want to be high on water sports, then kayaking on the Kali river can offer lot to you. Options available are from class 4 rapids for professionals to calmer beds for beginners.

Rafting on the rapids of the Kali River 

River Rafting are a great team activity and the class 4 rapids on the Kali offer the perfect group getaway. There are half day or full day options and the river has water for most time of the year as the dam above the river is opened every morning to generate electricity.

Bird watching at old magazine house resort 

The place is always surrounded by variety of birds and is heaven for bird watchers. At any season, you can find their naturalists spotting more than 150 different birds a day. Place is famous for hornbills but if you are true birder, this place is must for you in the list. It is surrounded by birds endemic to Western Ghats. If lucky, one can spot rare birds too.

Visit some of the unique tribes of Dandeli
One must always feel the locals and engage themselves with their lifestyle. Spending time with them gives the tourists true flavor of the place. Dandeli offers four different tribal experiences. There is famous Lambani tribe, who comes are nomad in nature. Then, there is the very famous Siddi tribe, who are people of African origin and who were brought to India as slaves. Then, there are the Gowli tribes who manage cattle and earn their living by selling milk and milk products. There is Medar tribe who works in the forest and is bamboo craft artisans.

Watch the sunset from Ganeshgudi Hill
Ganeshgudi hill can be reached after hiking for 40 minutes from Old magazine house. Usually they have their groups going for hiking around 4 PM in evening. From the top of hill, one can witness the conglomeration of 4 beautiful rivers and the view as sun sets down is beautiful. During hiking, if lucky, one can spot wild sloth bear and other small birds and natural flora and fauna. Sitting and waiting for sun to set at the hilltop is photographer’s paradise.

Taking a coracle boat ride on the Kali
If you are not a water sport fan, but still want to experience Kali River, one can take a ride in coracle boat. Options available are for half an hour to one hour. During ride, one can spot crocodiles basking in sun and hornbills. The ride in itself is very scenic with trees around.
Whenever you are going Goa, do make sure to add 3 more days to visit this beautiful but silent place called Dandeli, which will let you lost in the wilderness.

Why not plan a vacation to this beautiful gateway Dandeli. Thank you for the wonderful stay team Dandeli. They can be contacted at +919483940400

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Adventure Beaches Hotel Reviews Rejuvenate Travel Trends Tribal Western Ghats wildlife

Must Do’s at Karwar

Karwar is an idyllic island getaway situated 20kms south of the Goa–Karnataka border. It is often known as Queen of Konkan for its scenic beauty. The place is all the more famous, due to the confluence of the Arabian Sea and River Kali, and as per FengShui, such places are assumed to be peaceful. Famous poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote many of his famous poetries near Devbagh beach. 24 Hrs are not enough to get all from this place, but let me pen down things, which you should not miss, while you are here. The best time to be here is between Oct to May.
Stay at Devbagh Beach Resort
It is one of the beautiful properties by jungle lodges, where-in you can experience beaches and get lost in the wilderness at the same time. The place is complete in itself and gives you a soulful experience. I will definitely recommend at least one night stay in the cottages amidst jungle facing sea.

Stroll at Fishermen’s village

Adjacent to Devbagh Resort is the Fishermen’s village, you can take a morning stroll in the village and going through their daily lifestyle, knowing their culture so closely, watching the fishing sessions and quick conversations with them in itself is an enriching experience.

Sea-food at Ocean Deck
If you are sea-food lover, this is indeed the place for you. For all foodies, this is another recommendation from my side. Situated barely at a distance of 100 Kms from Dabolim airport, the place is heaven for sea foodies. Sitting in the midst of back-waters and enjoying your food is a unique experience. What makes this place more unique is its owner, who is very hospitable. You can read more about the ocean deck. For dessert, try out the local Gadbad ice-cream – a combination of local ice cream with nuts and fruits.

Go for Water Sports & Dolphin Spotting
Devbagh being the secluded beach offers an array of water sports. One should go for snorkeling and scuba to experience the beautiful underwater flora and fauna. Devbagh beach resort provides trained professional instructors to make this smooth for you. Apart from this  regular sports like Kayaking, Banana boat ride, parasailing, water-scooter, Speed boat ride, watching dolphins, fishing are a few of the options you can indulge yourself in.


Soak yourself in sand and sun.
Karwar is a land of beaches where you can soak yourself in the sun and can relax watching the waves clearing the sand from your feet and taking all your worries. You can build sandcastles, combine the shore for seashells, and play endless beach volleyball games on the beaches of Devbagh, and Karwar Beach. Karwar beach is popularly known as Tagore beach and is surrounded by beautiful coconut groves. Devbagh beach can be reached via ferries and is popular amongst scuba divers as it has rich underwater flora & fauna along the coastline.


Sadashivgad Fort
Sadashivgad Fort is situated in the Sadashivgad Village of Karwar. Located on a 200 ft high hillock, the fort is surrounded by deep and dense forest areas, and lies along the bank of river Kali.


Bird Sighting at Mangrove Backwaters
If you are a bird lover, then you can take a morning stroll at the mangrove thickest and can sight rare birds. White-bellied Sea Eagle, white-breasted Kingfisher, hornbill, spotted owl are the few amongst many. During winters, flocks of migratory birds can be seen around.

Other Attractions
Other places include the museum, KotShiveshwar, Durga Devi temple, Nagnath temple, The islands of Kumaragarh, Oyster-rock, Anjudeep and Sanyasi that lie off the Karwar coast and can mesmerize you with their scenic beauty.
I would like to thank Dandeli Tourism for giving me an altogether soulful experience in the lap of nature. It is worth a try. Folks!! Pack your bags and get on vacations to Devbagh. www.facebook.com/traveldandeli.

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